Barrier

ABSTRACT

A barrier formed from one or more modular units that include a frame, a protective panel, and a gap that is configured to receive a portion of another one of the modular units of the barrier such that the one or more modular units of the barrier can be arranged at an angle selected from a range of angles from about 90 degrees, to provide a corner arrangement, to about 180 degrees, to provide a substantially straight wall arrangement.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/116,016, filed Feb. 13, 2015, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to barriers, and morespecifically to barriers comprising modular units of ballistic proofmaterial.

BACKGROUND

In military and para-military operations, there is often a need forbarriers behind which personnel can position themselves for protectionfrom ballistics, explosives, or other harmful projectiles. Historically,soldiers have dug fox holes or trenches, or utilized natural bunkers asprotection against enemy fire. In certain geographic regions, naturalbarrier formations may not exist, and it may not be practicable orsuitable to utilize trenches or fox holes for adequate protection.

SUMMARY

Applicants disclose a barrier composed of modular units thatstructurally interface with each other to form a cohesive unit. In anexample embodiment, a modular unit comprises a frame and a protectivepanel coupled to the frame. The protective panel has a first side thatfaces the frame and a second side that is opposite the first side andwhich includes a ballistic resistant material configured to withstand aballistic projectile fired toward the barrier. The modular unit furthercomprises a member coupled to at least one of the frame and theprotective panel such that the member extends away from the first sideof the protective panel, thereby defining a gap between the first sideof the protective panel and a first surface of the member. The gapdefines an angle measured from the first side of the protective panel tothe first surface of the member. The gap is configured to receive atleast a portion of a protective panel of another modular unit of theballistic barrier.

In an example embodiment, a ballistic barrier may be formed from atleast a first modular unit and a second modular unit. The first modularunit may comprise a first frame and a first protective panel coupled tothe first frame. The first protective panel has a first side that facesthe first frame and a second side that is opposite the first side andwhich includes a ballistic resistant material configured to withstand aballistic projectile fired toward the barrier. The first modular unitfurther has a member coupled to at least one of the first frame and thefirst protective panel such that the member extends away from the firstside of the first protective panel and defines a gap between the firstside of the first protective panel and a first surface of the member.The second modular unit has a second frame and a second protective panelcoupled to the second frame. The second protective panel has a firstside that faces the second frame and a second side that is opposite thefirst side of the second protective panel. The second side of the secondprotective panel includes a ballistic resistant material configured towithstand a ballistic projectile fired toward the barrier. In an exampleembodiment, the ballistic barrier defines an assembled configuration inwhich a portion of the second protective panel is positioned within thegap such that the ballistic barrier defines a straight line passesthrough each of: 1) the first surface of the member, 2) the gap, 3) theportion of the second protective panel, and the first side of the firstprotective panel.

According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the modular unitsmay be arranged and interconnected in various different configurations.In an example embodiment, the ballistic barrier defines an assembledconfiguration in which: 1) the second protective panel abuts the firstprotective panel thereby defining a first point of contact between thefirst and second modular units, and 2) the second protective panel abutsthe first surface of the member thereby defining a second point ofcontact between the first and second modular units, the ballisticbarrier defining the first and second points of contact simultaneously.

The present application further discloses methods of assembling aballistic barrier. In an example scenario, a first modular unit ispositioned on a surface such that a first side of a first protectivepanel of the first modular unit faces in a first direction and a secondside of the first protective panel faces in a second direction that isopposite the first direction. The second side includes a planar portionthat defines a first plane. The method further includes the step ofselecting an angle, from a range of angles, at which to position asecond modular unit of the ballistic barrier with respect to the firstmodular unit. The angle may be measured between a first line that liesentirely within the first plane and a second side of a second protectivepanel of the second modular unit. The second modular unit is positionedon the surface adjacent to the first modular unit such that a portion ofthe second protective panel is disposed within a gap that is at leastpartially defined by: 1) a first surface of a member of the firstmodular unit that extends away from the first side of the firstprotective panel, and 2) the first side of the first protective panel.The gap is configured such that the second positioning step can beperformed at any angle within the range of angles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments of the barrier of the present application, willbe better understood when read in conjunction with the appendeddrawings. For the purposes of illustrating the barrier of the presentapplication, there is shown in the drawings illustrative embodiments. Itshould be understood, however, that the application is not limited tothe precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a barrier according to oneembodiment, the barrier including a plurality of components;

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the barrier illustrated in FIG.1A;

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a component of the barrierillustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the component illustrated in FIG.2A;

FIG. 2C is a rear elevation view of the component illustrated in FIG.2A;

FIG. 2D is a front elevation view of the component illustrated in FIG.2A;

FIG. 2E is a right side elevation view of the component illustrated inFIG. 2A;

FIG. 2F is a left side elevation view of the component illustrated inFIG. 2A;

FIG. 2G is a top plan view of the component illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2H is a bottom plan view of the component illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of another component of the barrierillustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the component illustrated in FIG.3A;

FIG. 3C is a rear elevation view of the component illustrated in FIG.3A;

FIG. 3D is a front elevation view of the component illustrated in FIG.3A;

FIG. 3E is a right side elevation view of the component illustrated inFIG. 3A;

FIG. 3F is a left side elevation view of the component illustrated inFIG. 3A;

FIG. 3G is a top plan view of the component illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3H is a bottom plan view of the component illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a barrier according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a barrier according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a barrier according to another embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a barrier according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of a barrier according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 8B is a rear perspective view of the barrier illustrated in FIG.7A;

FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of a barrier according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 9B is a rear perspective view of the barrier illustrated in FIG.8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A and 1B provide front and rear perspective views, respectively,of an example barrier 10 formed from modular units 12. As shown, abarrier 10 includes at least one modular unit 12 positioned adjacent toand interconnected with another modular unit. The barrier 10 can includea row 14 of modular units 12 positioned adjacent one another such thateach of the modular units 12 of the row 14 is at substantially the sameheight off the ground or other supporting surface with respect to eachother. Variations in height of the modular units 12 in the row 14 mayarise as consequence of the barrier 10 being constructed on unevenground or other supporting surface. As shown in the illustratedembodiments, the barrier 10 can include a plurality of rows 14 includinga first row 14 a having a plurality of modular units 12 a positionedadjacent one another, and a second row 14 b having a plurality ofmodular units 12 b positioned adjacent one another.

The barrier 10 can include a column 16 of modular units 12 positioned ontop of, or vertically with respect to, one another. As shown in theillustrated embodiments, the barrier 10 can include a plurality ofcolumns 16 including a first column 16 a having a plurality of modularunits 12 c positioned on top of one another, and a second column 16 bhaving a plurality of modular units 12 d positioned on top of oneanother. As shown, each of the modular units 12 of the column 16 can bestacked such that the centerlines 18 of each of the modular units 12 ofthe respective column 16 are aligned. Alternatively, each of the modularunits 12 of the column 16 can be stacked such that the centerlines 18 ofeach of the modular units 12 of the respective column 16 are notaligned. According to one embodiment, each of the modular units 12 ispart of one row 14 and one column 16.

In an example embodiment, each of the modular units 12 is configured tobe human-portable according to military standards. For example, in oneembodiment, each of the modular units 12 weighs less than 45 pounds.According to another embodiment, each of the modular units 12 weighsless than 30 pounds.

FIGS. 2A through 2H provide various views of an example modular unit 12.As shown, in an example embodiment, the modular unit 12 includes a firstside 20 that faces in a first direction and a second side 22 that facesin a second direction, which may be, for example, the opposite the firstdirection. The first side 20, according to one embodiment, is configuredto face toward a threat, such as, for example, a ballistic projectilewhen the modular unit 12 is arranged as part of the barrier 10. Thesecond side 22 is configured to face away from a threat and may face,for example, a human that seeks safety behind the barrier 10. Themodular unit 12 includes or may be composed of a ballistic resistantmaterial such as, for example, a material configured to withstand riflerounds rated up to NIJ level IV 30-06 AP. In an example embodiment, atleast a portion of, and up to an entirety of the first side 20 of themodular unit 12 may be composed of or comprise ballistic resistantmaterial.

The modular unit 12 includes a body 24 that comprises a frame 26 and aprotective panel 28. The protective panel 28 is configured to beconnected to the frame 26 either releasably, such as with fasteners, orintegrally, such that the frame 26 and protective panel 28 aremonolithic with one another. The protective panel 28 has a first side 30that faces the frame 26 when the protective panel 28 is coupled to theframe 26. The protective panel 28 further has a second side 32 that isopposite the first side 30, such that the second side 32 faces away fromthe frame 26 when the protective panel 28 is coupled to the frame 26. Asshown in the illustrated embodiment, the modular unit 12 can furtherinclude a gap 34 defined at least partially, for example entirely, bythe body 24. The gap 34 is configured to receive a portion of anothermodular unit 12 of the barrier 10.

The modular unit 12 includes a member 36 carried by the body 24. In anexample embodiment, the member 36 is coupled to at least one of theframe 26 and the protective panel 28. The member 36 extends out from thefirst side 30 of the protective panel 28 at an angle. The member 36 hasa first surface 38 that, along with the first side 30 of the protectivepanel 28, defines at least a portion of the gap 34. The gap 34 definesan angle α measured, in an illustrated embodiment, from the firstsurface 38 of the member 36 to the first side 30 of the protective panel28. According to one embodiment, the modular unit 12 defines an angle αbetween about 0° and about 90°. According to another embodiment, themodular unit 12 defines an angle α between about 30° and about 60°. Themodular unit 12 defines an angle α having a value such that the gap isconfigured to receive at least a portion of a protective panel 28 ofanother modular unit 12 of the ballistic barrier 10.

The second side 32 of the protective panel 28 includes at least aportion that is substantially planar such that at least the portion ofthe second side 32 defines a plane.

The frame 26 can include a top plate 40 and a bottom plate 42 that eachshare a common edge with and extend in a direction from the first side30 of the protective panel 28. As shown, the top and bottom plates 40,42 each extend from the first side 30 in respective planes that areperpendicular to the plane defined by the portion of the second side 32.The frame 26 can further include a tubular member 44 that extendsbetween and interconnects the top plate 40 and the bottom plate 42, forexample at their respective, outwardly positioned vertices.

The tubular member 44 may be substantially square in cross-section andinclude a plurality of holes 46 formed through respective surfaces ofthe tubular member 44. Respective ones of the holes 46 can be onopposing sides of the tubular member 44 such that ones of the holes 46are diametrically aligned with one another. In addition, the tubularnature of tubular member 44 can extend fully through the top plate 40and the bottom plate 42, providing a tubular passage therethrough. Itshould be appreciated that the tubular member 44 may have any suitableconfiguration and need not be square tubular, or even fully tubular.Rather, the tubular member 44 need merely allow for interconnection to avertically adjacent tubular member 44 of another modular unit 12.

An upper portion 48 of the tubular member 44 and a lower portion 50 ofthe tubular member 44 are dimensioned such that one will fit inside theother, with the holes 46 in the upper portion of one modular unit 12aligning with the holes 46 of the lower portion 50 of another modularunit 12 positioned thereon. The first and second ones of the modularunits 12 may be interconnected to each other and held together via anyconventional fastener 52, such as a bolt or pin, inserted through thealigned holes 46 of the stacked modular units 12. The tubular member 44may also be formed from separate upper and lower sections that areconfigured to vertically interconnect adjacent ones of the modular units12.

The top plate 40 and the bottom plate 42 can each include one or moreopenings 54 that extend through the respective one of the top plate 40or the bottom plate 42. In an example embodiment, the one or moreopenings 54 include an opening 54 positioned centrally within therespective one of the top plate 40 or the bottom plate 42. The one ormore openings 54 may also include an opening 54 positioned adjacent anedge of the respective one of the top plate 40 or the bottom plate 42.The one or more openings 54 can include openings 54 with differentsizes, different shapes, or different sizes and shapes. The one or moreopenings 54 can be configured to receive a linkage member that operatesto secure two or more modules relative to each other. In an exampleembodiment, the linkage member may be, for example, a flexible membersuch as a bungee cord or an inflexible member such as a crossbar, thatis passed through or connected to at least one of the one or moreopenings 54 of both a first modular unit 12 and a second modular unit 12to secure the first and second modular units 12 relative to one another.

The linkages member can be configured to be attached to first and secondones of the modular units 12 so as to permit pivotal movement of thefirst modular unit 12 relative to the second modular unit 12 and viceversa. The pivotal positioning of the modular units 12 permits thebarrier 10 that is formed from the modular units to be formed in anydesired shape, including a planar wall structure, a curved barrierstructure, or even a fully enclosed barrier (where all personnel wouldbe fully enclosed on all sides by the barrier).

According to one embodiment, the body 24 of the modular unit 12 includesa mounting panel 55 to which the protective panel 28 may be attached.For example, the protective panel 28 can include one or more threadedposts 57 that are configured to be inserted through corresponding holes59 defined by the protective panel 28. Once the threaded posts 57 areinserted through the corresponding holes 59, a plurality of fasteners 61such as, for example, wing nuts, can then be threaded onto the threadedposts 57 to mount the protective panel 28 onto the mounting panel 55.Where the protective panel 28 is removably attached to the mountingpanel, the protective panel 28 can be replaced in the event of damagewithout having to dissemble the barrier 10. Any suitable form ofsecuring the protective panel 28 to the mounting panel 55 mayalternatively be used including, for example, rivets, bolts, clips, andthe like.

According to one embodiment, the body 24 of the modular unit 12 caninclude at least one armor strip 63. As shown, the body 24 can includean armor strip 63 positioned on the second side 32 of the protectivepanel 28 such that the armor strip 63 is configured to cover a seam, ora space between, adjacent ones of the modular units 12 when the adjacentones of the modular units 12 are positioned adjacent to one another. Forexample, the armor strip 63 may cover a seam or space between modularunits 12 when the units are arranged horizontally to create a row 14 orvertically to create a column 16.

FIGS. 3A to 3H provide various views of an example modular unitcomprising a support assembly. Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3H, a barrier 10may include an embodiment of the modular unit 12 that is configured tobe a base, or a bottom, of one of the columns 16 of the barrier 10. Thebody 24 of the modular unit 12 can include a foot assembly 56 that isconfigured to provide stable support for the modular unit 12 so that themodular unit 12 does not tip over as a result of a force such as, forexample, a force from a ballistic projectile impacting the modular unit12. According to one embodiment, the foot assembly 56 includes a baseplate 58 coupled to the protective panel 28 such that the base plate 58extends out from the second side 32 of the protective panel 28. The footassembly 56 can further include one or more coupling members 60configured to couple the base plate 58 to the body 24. As shown, the oneor more coupling members 60 can be in the form of triangular braces thatabut both the base plate 58 and the second side 32 of the protectivepanel 28. The coupling members 60 may be attached to base plate 50 andsides 32 by any suitable means including, for example, by welding.

According to one embodiment, the foot assembly 56 is configured tocooperate with the bottom plate 42 of the frame 26 to define asubstantially planar surface that faces the ground, or other surface thebarrier is being assembled upon, and supports the modular unit 12 suchthat tipping of the modular unit 12 is prevented. The bottom plate 42,the base plate 58, or both the bottom plate 42 and the base plate 58 caninclude one or more anchor holes 62 each configured to receive an anchormember that can be driven through a respective one of the one or moreanchor holes 62 and into the ground or supporting surface, therebyproviding additional anchoring of the modular unit 12 such that themodular unit 12 will not tip over as a result of a force applied to themodular unit 12.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a barrier 10 composed of modularunits 12, some of which comprise additional structural elements.Referring to FIG. 4, one or more of the modular units 12 of the barrier10 can have additional structures that can provide additionalfunctionality as described in detail below. For example, the barrier 10can include one or more of a first modular unit 12′ that includes aprotective panel 28 which may be, for example, a solid panel ofballistic resistant material such as described above in connection withFIGS. 2A to 2H. The barrier 10 can further include one or more of asecond modular unit 12″ that includes the foot assembly 56 such asdescribed above in connection with FIGS. 3A to 3H. The barrier 10 canfurther include one or more of a third modular unit 12′″ that includes aview port 64 that provides visibility through the barrier 10. Thebarrier can still further include one or more of a fourth modular unit12″″ that includes a gun port 66 that provides an aperture through whicha gun can be fired through the barrier 10. It should be recognized bythose of skill in the art that one or more of the modular units 12 ofthe barrier 10 may be provided with any number of features that aredesirable or advantageous in a ballistic barrier.

According to one embodiment, the view port 64 of the third modular unit12′″ can include a pivotal window frame 68 that carries a transparentportion 70, the transparent portion 70 composed of ballistic resistantmaterial. As shown the view port 64 can be positioned within theprotective panel 28. According to one embodiment the fourth modular unit12″″ can include a movable cover 72 composed of a ballistic resistantmaterial. The movable cover 72 is configured to be movably coupled, forexample rotatably coupled, slidably coupled, or rotatably and slidablycoupled, to the fourth modular unit 12″″ such that the movable cover 72can be moved to selectively expose or cover an aperture of the gun port66 through which a weapon, for example a gun, can be pointed anddischarged.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7, the structural features of the modularunits 12 allow for the barrier 10 to be assembled in variousconfigurations. Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the barrier 10can be assembled in a substantially straight line, such that the secondside 32 of the protective panel 28 of a first one of the modular units12 is substantially parallel to the second side 32 of the protectivepanel 28 of a second one of the modular units 12 that is positionedadjacent to the first one of the modular units 12. As shown in theillustrated embodiment, the barrier 10 can be assembled such that aportion of the second one of the modular units 12, for example a portionof the protective panel 28 of the second one of the modular units 12, ispositioned within the gap 34 of the first one of the modular units 12.

According to one embodiment, the portion of the protective panel 28 ofthe second one of the modular units 12 is positioned within the gap 34such that the portion of the protective panel 28 of the second one ofthe modular units 12 abuts one or both of the first side 30 of theprotective panel 28 of the first one of the modular units 12 and themember 36 of the first one of the modular units 12. The portion of theprotective panel 28 of the second one of the modular units 12 may bepositioned within the gap 34 such that a straight line 74 that is normalto the first surface 38 of the member 36 intersects the portion of theprotective panel 28 of the second one of the modular units 12.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, the barrier 10 can be assembled ina shape other than a straight line. The barrier 10 may include a firstone of the modular units 12 positioned adjacent a second one of themodular unit 12 such that the second side 32 of the protective panel 28of the first one of the modular units 12 is offset with respect to thesecond side 32 of the protective panel 28 of the second one of themodular units 12 by an angle β. According to one embodiment, the barrier10 can be assembled such that the angle β is within the range frombetween about 0° to about 90°. For example, the angle β may be about45°. According to another embodiment, the barrier 10 can be assembledsuch that the angle β is greater than or equal to about 90°. In oneembodiment, the barrier 10 can include a first pair of adjacent ones ofthe modular units 12 offset by a first angle β, and a second pair ofadjacent ones of the modular units offset by a second angle β that isdifferent than the first angle β. As shown in the illustratedembodiment, the barrier 10 can be assembled such that a portion of thesecond one of the modular units 12, for example a portion of theprotective panel 28 of the second one of the modular units 12, ispositioned within the gap 34 of the first one of the modular units 12.

According to one embodiment, the portion of the protective panel 28 ofthe second one of the modular units 12 is positioned within the gap 34such that the portion of the protective panel 28 of the second one ofthe modular units 12 abuts at least one of (i.e., one or both) of thefirst side 30 of the protective panel 28 of the first one of the modularunits 12 and the member 36 of the first one of the modular units 12.According to another embodiment, the portion of the protective panel 28of the second one of the modular units 12 is positioned within the gap34 such that a straight line 74 that is normal to the first surface 38of the member 36 intersects the portion of the protective panel 28 ofthe second one of the modular units 12.

Modular units 12 may be assembled to form a barrier 10 that has anysuitable configuration. For example, in one embodiment, the barrier 10can be assembled such that the barrier includes both: 1) a first one ofthe modular units 12 positioned adjacent a second one of the modularunits 12 such that the second side 32 of the protective panel 28 of thefirst one of the modular units 12 is offset with respect to the secondside 32 of the protective panel 28 of the second one of the modularunits 12 by an angle β, and 2) a third one of the modular units 12positioned adjacent the first one of the modular units 12 such that thesecond side 32 of the protective panel 28 of the third one of themodular units 12 is substantially parallel to the second side 32 of theprotective panel 28 of the first one of the modular units 12. In anotherembodiment, the barrier 10 can be assembled such that an outer perimeterof the barrier 10 defines a completely enclosed space, for example asubstantially square shaped space.

FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate aspects of additionalexample barriers 10. Although the barrier 10 is shown having a height oftwo of the modular units 12, it will appreciated by those of skill inthe art that the barrier 10 can be assembled to have a height asdesired, for example a height of four or more of the modular units 12.

Referring to FIGS. 1A to 9B, a method of assembling the barrier 10 caninclude the step of positioning a first modular unit 12 on a surface,for example the ground, such that the first side 30 of the protectivepanel 28 of the first modular unit 12 faces in a first direction and asecond side 32 of the protective panel 28 of the first modular unit 12faces in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.According to one embodiment, the second side 32 can include a planarportion that defines a first plane. The method of assembling the barrier10 can further include the step of selecting an angle β, from a range ofangles, at which to position a second modular unit 12 of the barrier 10with respect to the first modular unit 12, wherein the angle β ismeasured between a first straight line 76 that lies entirely within thefirst plane and the second side 32 of the protective panel 28 of thesecond modular unit 12. The method of assembling the barrier 10 canfurther include after performing the selecting step, the step ofpositioning the second modular unit 12 on the surface adjacent to thefirst modular unit 12 such that a portion of the protective panel 28 ofthe second modular unit 12 is disposed within the gap 34, the gap 34 atleast partially defined by: 1) the first surface 38 of the member 36 ofthe first modular unit 12, the member 36 extending away from the firstside 30 of the protective panel 28 of the first modular unit 12, and 2)the first side 30 of the protective panel 28 of the first modular unit12. The method of assembling the barrier 10 can further include the gap34 being configured such that the second positioning step can beperformed at any angle β within the range of angles.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisdisclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, butit is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure as defined by the claims.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The term “plurality”, as used herein, meansmore than one. When a range of values is expressed, another embodimentincludes from the one particular value and/or to the other particularvalue. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use ofthe antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. Further, reference to values stated in rangesincludes each and every value within that range. All ranges areinclusive and combinable. Certain features of the invention which aredescribed herein in the context of separate embodiments may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention that are described in the context of a singleembodiment may also be provided separately or in any subcombination.

What is claimed:
 1. A ballistic barrier, comprising: a modular unitcomprising: a frame and a protective panel coupled to the frame, theprotective panel having a first side that faces the frame and a secondside that is opposite the first side, the second side including aballistic resistant material configured to withstand a ballisticprojectile fired toward the barrier; and a member coupled to at leastone of the frame and the protective panel and extending away from thefirst side of the protective panel, the member defining a gap betweenthe first side of the protective panel and a first surface of themember, wherein the gap defines an angle measured from the first side ofthe protective panel to the first surface of the member, and the gap isconfigured to receive at least a portion of a protective panel ofanother modular unit of the ballistic barrier.
 2. The ballistic barrierof claim 1, wherein the protective panel includes a material configuredto withstand rifle rounds rated up to NIJ level IV 30-06 AP.
 3. Theballistic barrier of claim 1, wherein the member includes a firstsurface that, along with the first side of the protective panel definesat least a portion of the gap, the gap defines an angle measured fromthe first surface to the first side, and the angle is between about 0°and about 90°.
 4. The ballistic barrier of claim 3, wherein the angle isbetween about 30° and about 60°.
 5. The ballistic barrier of claim 1,further comprising a foot assembly configured to provide support for themodular unit so as to prevent the modular unit from tipping over as aresult of a force from a ballistic projectile impacting the modularunit.
 6. The ballistic barrier of claim 5, wherein the foot assemblyincludes a base plate coupled to the protective panel such that the baseplate extends out from the second side of the protective panel.
 7. Theballistic barrier of claim 1, wherein the protective panel includes aview port, a gun port, a transparent portion, or any combinationthereof.
 8. The ballistic barrier of claim 1, wherein the modular unitis a first modular unit, the frame is a first frame, the protectivepanel is a first protective panel, the ballistic barrier including asecond modular unit, and the second modular unit includes: a secondframe and a second protective panel coupled to the second frame, thesecond protective panel having a first side that faces the second frameand a second side that is opposite the first side of the secondprotective panel, the second side of the second protective panelincluding a ballistic resistant material configured to withstand aballistic projectile fired toward the barrier, wherein a portion of thesecond protective panel is positioned within the gap such that astraight line passes through each of: 1) the first surface of themember, 2) the gap, 3) the portion of the second protective panel, and4) the first side of the first protective panel.
 9. The ballisticbarrier of claim 1, wherein the modular unit is a first modular unit,the frame is a first frame, the protective panel is a first protectivepanel, the ballistic barrier including a second modular unit, and thesecond modular unit includes: a second frame and a second protectivepanel coupled to the second frame, the second protective panel having afirst side that faces the second frame and a second side that isopposite the first side of the second protective panel, the second sideof the second protective panel including a ballistic resistant materialconfigured to withstand a ballistic projectile fired toward the barrier,wherein the second protective panel abuts the first protective panelthereby defining a first point of contact between the first and secondmodular units, and the second protective panel simultaneously abuts thefirst surface of the member thereby defining a second point of contactbetween the first and second modular units.
 10. A method of assembling aballistic barrier, comprising: positioning a first modular unit on asurface such that a first side of a first protective panel of the firstmodular unit faces in a first direction and a second side of the firstprotective panel faces in a second direction that is opposite the firstdirection, the second side including a planar portion that defines afirst plane; selecting an angle, from a range of angles, at which toposition a second modular unit of the ballistic barrier with respect tothe first modular unit, wherein the angle is measured between a firstline that lies entirely within the first plane and a second side of asecond protective panel of the second modular unit; after the selectingstep, positioning the second modular unit on the surface adjacent to thefirst modular unit such that a portion of the second protective panel isdisposed within a gap that is at least partially defined by: 1) a firstsurface of a member of the first modular unit that extends away from thefirst side of the first protective panel, and 2) the first side of thefirst protective panel; wherein the gap is configured such that thesecond positioning step can be performed at any angle within the rangeof angles.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step ofsecuring the second modular unit relative to the first modular unit suchthat a first side of the second protective panel faces in the firstdirection and a second side of the second protective panel faces in thesecond direction, the second side of the first protective panel beingparallel to the second side of the second protective panel.
 12. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising the step of securing the secondmodular unit relative to the first modular unit such that the secondprotective panel is nonparallel to the first protective panel.